Nevada County picayune., 1887-09-29

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 Still Harry hesitated. X rail was different from the edge of a prccipice, and the young man al. most fancied he could hear Mary's piercing shrieks s-could already see her form cleaving the air head long toward those dangerous rocks beneath. 1 Meanwhile the twilight was gathering; the crimson hues on the sky were melting awayiA sl,ad. ows. The travellers, if intending to attempt the perilous crossing had better do so now while light enough remained.
 So said Mary, and her glance was firm. her cheek unblanchcd as she spoke.
 "Let me go alone, she continued. "Then, if anything should happen to me, you will not feel rcsponsi. ble. Go, however, l must, for perhaps my father lies dying. If so, will see him before he breathes his last"
 "Come then. said Harry; keep hold of my jacket to support your self as we go. If l should stumble, however, do not hesitate to let go of me. Otherwise you, too, will be dragged down" l Mary silently nodded her head in token of assent, and the two started, They kept on slowly, carefully, and steadily, until q snd. den heavy gust of wind made the girl reel! She stopped, and while endeavoring 10 recover her bal. ance, saw the the dark rocks far below, and thrilled with terror. Over-over-oyer-farther and farther; she presses her lips tighter together-she made one, last su- perhuman effort, still endeavoring to recover her balance. An inch farther and that galance were lost and she precipitated upon those ! jagged rocks two hundred feet be. heath. Now, however, she raised her left arm, and that saved her. She slowly regained her upright position, and the two continued their course, Harry unable without certain destruction to turn his head, ignorant of his companions late narrow escape.
 They had only accomplished half their perilous walk when the night gloom gathered round them. They must traverse the rest of the way in darkness. -, 1 Steadily" whispered Harry, encouragingly for Gods sake don't falter now.
 ! She answered him firmly. "I will not,' and she frightened her hold of his jacket.
 At that moment they felt the Tail quiver beneath them-a strange, humming noise was heard. It grew louder every moment--loud- CT and louder-uutil suddenly a gleam like that of a bloodshot eye was seen bursting through the darkness far ahead.
 "The locomotive, gasped Mary. { My God. What can we do now"
 She was right. It was the train bound to Paris, sweeping along at full speed, breathing thunder, steam and fire. Nearer and near CT and ratling, with its whistle screaming. The rail now shook so that the travellers could scarce ly keep tneir balance.
 What matter whether they did or not? What power could save them now! They were apparently doomed to certain destruction with that fearful train sweeping toward them!
 On, On-nearer, nearer, nearer. It was soon less than three miles distant.
 The young couple stood still; each could hear the beating of the others heart, for Mary's arms were around Harry's waist.
 Ahead of them an approaching locomotiye-On each side of them a yawning abyss-their only sup port slender rail. All hope died from their hearts.
 "We must prepare, gasped the girl. We must die. God help us."
 "Oh, murmured Harry, sudden Iy. If only had rope l might possibly do something to save us."